Dorset Button Gets A Make Over

The humble Singleton button, part of the large Dorset button industry of the 18th century, has been given a 21st century makeover.

Anna McDowell, of Henry's Buttons, asked members of Dorset Buttoners to add a modern feel to this most traditional of buttons by creating their own, allowing them the freedom to design their own centre to their buttons.

The Singleton Button was made using a ring covered in a fabric and stuffed with sheeps wool.

Thirty-four participants, some from as far away as Canada and Australia, rose to the challenge and created their own individually decorated buttons featuring a range of materials, ranging from silk and wool to the precious stones jade and pyrite (fool's gold).

The buttons will go on display at the Dorset History Centre as part of a fundraising event dedicated to Dorset Buttons on the evening of the 18th September, where Anna will give a talk on the history of Dorset's button industry.

They will subsequently be auctioned off by the Dorset Local History Centre to raise funds to help expand their collection of archive materials.

All of the buttons can be viewed online at www.henrysbuttons.co.uk. Entry to the Dorset History Centre event takes place on Thursday 18th September and costs £10 for entry, with canapés and a glass of wine included in the price.